Saturday, February 13, 2010

"A boy is holding a girl so very tight in his arms tonight..... A girl knows that not anybody or anything can seperate WE - not even the stars - and that WE belong to each other for ever. WE love each other more than life so God bless WE. Your David"Written from Edward, Prince of Wales, to Wallis Simpson on July 23, 1935 at 1:00 AM aboard the HMS Faulknor. Possibly THE greatest love story of the 20th century. 6 months later, days before becoming king upon his father's death, Edward's thoughts were only of Wallis as he wrote from his fathers deathbed:

"My own Sweetheart, Just a line to say I love you more and more and need you so to be with me at this difficult time. There is no hope whats-soever for the King it's only a matter of how long..... You are all and everything I have in life and WE must hold each other so tight. It will all work out right for us. God bless WE. Your David"

And it did, sort of. The top photo is a 1930s piece of Minton I have on my coffee table with some Valentine's day themed red candies as my gift to you! It reminds me of something Syrie Maugham might have used when she decorated Wallis's flat (and her second husband, Ernest Aldrich Simpson). This is where Wallis would come to entertain and become close to Edward, Prince of Wales. I hope everyone has their own great romance come true: Happy Valentine's Day!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Our very un-southern like weather continues here in DC. I was one of the (very) few who trudged into work today. Franklin square at 8am above.Once I reached a 1/2 way point to Georgetown, there was no turning back! I saw the blizzard progress from flurries into 40 mph winds. Talk about exciting!Remember my post on the interiors of the condos at 2501 Pennsylvania Avenue, things have changed! See above

It's not so much that much fresh snow is falling, but the high winds are tearing down the stacks of plowed snow and covering everything. Above you can see one of many downed trees around the city, this one on Washington Circle.

Streets were deserted at rush hour, as you can see. I passed a few brave souls walking, but no cars!

Above you see the much beloved Blues Alley - they'll be closed tonight!

I think I'll be calling it an early day and head back home!

Hope you are all safe and warm!

All images taken between 8 & 8:30 am on Wed. Feb. 10 before the blizzard really hit.

Some readers may have heard about the snow storms which have been plaguing us on the East Coast this season. Generally, DC doesn't get much snow but we were hit this past weekend with around 20 inches, with a second storm dumping between 10-15 inches on us currently. Above you see the mostly untouched snow from last weekend on Thomas Circle as the new storm started last night.

Above is the National City Christian Church by John Russell Pope just 100 feet away but barely visible through the snow. You may remember my post on the church HERE with how it looks on a normal day.

Most cars remain buried under a layer of deep snow covered in ice. Luckily most sidewalks in front of apartment buidings, like the one seen above, have been cleared but crossing the mostly unplowed streets is treacherous and difficult.

Wish us luck digging out from this storm. Southern cities do not have the mechanisms to cope with these acts of nature. At least they're pretty!

Monday, February 8, 2010

A small but none the less charming room at the Petit Trianon is next on our tour: The small salon. The room was also used as an informal dining room and occasionally a gaming room. It lies in the northwest corner of the PT, seen in blue on the plan below, so would get excellent late afternoon light.

One of the reasons it is believed to have been used as a dining room is the crystal chandelier (seen from the dining room picture post linked above and also in the top picture of this post). Like I mentioned in the dining room, all other rooms in the PT have neoclassically appropriate lanterns. The room also features beautiful gilded bronze sconces which have been electrified and add soft lighting.

The room features a beautifully colorful mantelpiece of red Italian Griotte marble with a matching hearth which is featured elsewhere in the room (in the floor at the window surrounds). The red curtains play up the use of this red stone. The elevation below shows the wall as it is featured in the Boston Architectural Club Yearbook from 1913.

The moldings include an acanthus leaf crown molding which was a popular motif in neoclassical design, originating with ancient Greek architecture. I love the way the red curtains contrast the soft green painted boiseries. This red and green color pattern will follow us through the entire PT.